Tour de France: Merlier does an encore in Bergerac

Tim Merlier won the eighth stage of the Tour de France, the 180.4km Perigueux-Bergerac.

Another very hot day on the French roads, almost entirely flat, with only two category IV categorized climbs. The day's breakaway consisted of three riders: Slock, Otruba, and Guernalec. The peloton controlled the race, maintaining a maximum lead of around three minutes. On the Côte du Buisson, about forty kilometers from the finish, Slock remained alone while the sprinters' teams began to work hard behind him. The Belgian Lotto Intermarché rider fought back but was caught with just over a kilometer to go.

Van der Poel launched a sprint for Philipsen, but Merlier emerged victorious, edging out Girmay and Kooij for his second consecutive win. Philipsen finished a disappointing fourth.

Tadej Pogacar retains the yellow jersey in the general classification.

Order of arrival:

1 Merlier Tim Soudal Quick-Step 3:52:50

2 Girmay Biniam NSN Cycling Team,,

3 Kooij Olav Decathlon CMA CGM Team ,,

4 Philipsen Jasper Alpecin - Premier Tech ,,

5 Bittner Pavel Team Picnic PostNL,,

6 Pluimers Rick Tudor Pro Cycling Team,,

7 Ackermann Pascal Team Jayco AlUla,,

8 Russo Clément Groupama - FDJ United,,

9 Kanter Max XDS Astana Team ,,

10 Fretin Milan Cofidis ,,

Sprint Cycling Photos